Black pond, white swan

I am drawn to the black pond and the white swan

Who turns with hieratic grace at the mid-point.

When I walk down to the water’s edge

She glides to me at once, so close I can touch her breast,

Her great wings, folded, make the shape of a heart.

When I try to read her dark and shining eyes

I see the sadness of a lovely woman in white

And in her eyes, mirrors within mirrors,

I find a blazing phoenix fire of many colors

And know this is reflected glory of the heaven bird

Who flies fearless through all the worlds.

“Where is your mate?” I ask the white swan.

Words swim back. How long have you made me wait?

And: How many dreams of me did you forget?

How many signs from me did you refuse?

I can only answer with truth, “I have been a fool,

Silly and forgetful, but I have always loved you.”